Pianist Madeleine Fortes story is one of obstacles and successes, of extraordinary talent, and of a long and fascinating life of international study and performance. Born in Vichy-controlled French Algeria during World War II, she began learning to play the piano at an early age and was soon performing publicly. She made her debut in Vichy at thirteen while studying with Alfred Cortot and Wilhelm Kempff. As a young woman, she went to boarding school in Algiers and Paris, continuing her musical studies. She married young, and the marriage fell apart not long after the birth of her first son, Yann. As she continued to travel, studying and performing, she struggled to establish herself as a professional artist. She studied with Rosina Lhévinne and Martin Canin in New York, married again, and became a professor of music at Boise State University. Her second marriage brought another son, Olen, and lasted fourteen years. After her second divorce, she moved to Connecticut, where she met Allen Forte, her third husband. They collaborated on several artistic projects and performed all over the world. This memoir tells the story of how a little girl with a big talent overcame myriad challenges and found the courage to achieve artistic success and personal happiness.

Simply madeleine, a loving memoir by concert pianist Madeleine Forte, takes the reader to a number of different worlds: her family home with her colorful extended family; French Algeria during the Second World War, where the American military presence was among her earliest memories; the studios of Wilhelm Kempff, Alfred Cortot, and György Cziffra Paris, Warsaw, Rio de Janeiro. This "Pianist's Progress" introduces us to an endless parade of larger-than-life characters with whom she studied music, and life, and for whom she feels affection and gratitude. The warmest of cozy afternoon reads!

Prof. Jonathan D. Bellman
Area Head--Academic Studies in Music
School of Music, CPVA
University of Northern Colorado

Both an intimate self-portrait and a panoramic
view of musical life in the postwar period, with charming vignettes of many famous musicians. Honest, beautifully written, deeply felt, and a pleasure to read.

Joseph N. Straus
Distinguished Professor
Graduate Center, City University of New York

Read the review in Fanfarehere.
Read the review in The Triangleof Mu Phi Epsilonhere.